Canada’s media sector is facing another wave of layoffs and operational cutbacks as one of the country’s largest television news providers restructures its production model.
Corus, the parent company of Global TV, is expected to close its studios and control rooms in Calgary and Edmonton, consolidating those operations in Toronto by the end of August.
Anchors and reporters in Alberta are anticipated to remain in their local markets to cover news, but their broadcasts will be produced remotely from Global’s Toronto facilities.
The financial pressure behind the move is significant. Corus reported a 20% year-over-year decline in revenue for the quarter ending May 31, with total earnings falling to $120.3 million.
Television operations revenue dropped 16%, while the company’s radio division saw a 15% decrease. The struggles mirror broader challenges across mainstream news outlets facing steep advertising declines.
The latest cuts follow similar reductions elsewhere in the industry. Rogers Sports & Media recently eliminated 230 positions and shut down six radio stations, including two in Calgary.
Global Television has gradually centralized its operations for nearly two decades, beginning with the closure of local master control rooms under previous ownership.
In 2015, under Shaw Media, the network moved late-night and weekend newscasts to Toronto using local anchors on virtual sets to maintain the appearance of regional broadcasting.
